What’s Happening:

Numerous pundits and Americans have come out against New Mexico Gov. Grisham’s unilateral gun carry ban. She signed an executive order issuing a 30-day ban on any resident from carrying a firearm, in areas of the state with high crime rates. The move, which did not include the state legislature, is being heavily criticized by many–including fellow Democrats.

But the governor has just hit a major roadblock in actually enforcing this decree. In order for this measure to actually work, it requires law enforcement and state prosecutors to hold residents accountable. Police would have to search citizens for concealed firearms and the AG would have to press charges. The governor’s own attorney general, Raul Torrez, just revealed to Grisham that he will not comply with her order.

From The Post Millennial:

In a letter sent to New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham on Tuesday, state Attorney General Raul Torrez said that his office would not be defending her administration in lawsuits related to her blocking the carrying of firearms…

“…I encourage you to engage in a more thoughtful and deliberate process with members of the New Mexico Legislature rather than taking unilateral action that infringes on the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens while having little if any discernable impact on the underlying dynamics driving gun violence in our community.”

Attorney General Raul Torrez refused to enforce Gov. Grisham’s firearm carry ban, in a stunning rebuke of the Democrat’s policy. Torrez stated he will “not defend” the governor’s administration. Without the support of the attorney general’s office, it is unclear if the order will be followed at all.

AG Torrez claimed he “grieved with too many victims of gun violence” and supports efforts to reduce this “unacceptable toll.” But he accused the governor of overstepping her authority by infringing “on the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens.”

The attorney general urged Gov. Grisham to “engage in a more thoughtful and deliberate process” with the state legislature. This appears to be a strong criticism of the governor’s decision to issue this order, rather than seek support from New Mexico’s legislature.

He went on to say that this order deprives law-abiding citizens from “carry firearms in public for the purpose of self-defense.” This is a common criticism by gun owners of “gun free zone” laws. Torrez claimed the governor’s order was “inconsistent with Federal and State Constitutions.”

Torrez is not the first Democrat to criticize Grisham’s order.  The governor has received significant pushback from state and national figures. It is likely that, unless the order is rescinded, the governor could face legal action–if not a response from the state legislature.

Key Takeaways:

• New Mexico’s attorney general is refusing to enforce the governor’s gun carry ban.
• Grisham issued a 30-day ban on citizens carrying guns in public.
• AG Torrez rebuked the governor for issuing this decree, without the cooperation of the state’s legislature.

Source: The Post Millennial